How To Treat Torticollis In Adults

Torticollis doesn’t just affect newborns and infants.

Let’s examine how to treat torticollis in adults.

 

Torticollis, commonly known as “wry neck,” is a condition where the neck muscles tighten or shorten, causing the head to tilt involuntarily to one side. While it’s most commonly seen in infants, adults can also experience this uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition.

Adult-onset torticollis can disrupt daily life and often requires a unique approach to treatment and management. In this post, we’ll explore what causes torticollis in adults, how it can be treated, and steps you can take to relieve symptoms.

 

Torticollis In Adults

Torticollis is a condition in which the neck muscles contract, causing the head to twist or tilt to one side. This occurs when the muscles on one side of the neck tighten or shorten, pulling the head at an unnatural angle.

Torticollis can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and it often restricts head and neck movement, impacting everyday activities. While commonly seen in infants as congenital torticollis, adults can also develop this condition due to various underlying factors.

Injuries to the head or neck—such as whiplash, strains, or arthritis—can contribute to acquired torticollis. When inflammation or strain restricts range of motion, people often end up favoring one side of the neck. As the muscle heals, it remains shortened, causing a lasting tilt to one side. With time and proper care, including gentle stretching to lengthen the muscles, this form of torticollis may improve.

Cervical dystonia is a specific type of torticollis where the muscles contract involuntarily due to a neurological dysfunction, causing the head to twist, tilt, or even jerk unpredictably. This form of torticollis is often more persistent and may result from medication side effects or underlying neurological issues.

Recognizing these various causes of torticollis in adults can help guide effective treatments and offer relief from symptoms.

Causes of Torticollis

Torticollis in adults can develop for various reasons, often triggered by a combination of factors. Understanding the underlying causes is key to finding effective treatment and preventing recurrence.

Here are some of the most common causes:

• Arthritis: Degenerative conditions like arthritis can lead to inflammation and stiffness in the neck, contributing to muscle imbalances.
• Injury: Neck injuries, such as a herniated disc, whiplash, or muscle strain, can result in torticollis. When muscles or ligaments are damaged, they may spasm or shorten during the healing process, creating a tilt in the neck.
• Burn Injuries and Heavy Scarring: In cases where burn injuries or extensive scarring affect the neck area, the skin and muscles can become tight and restricted, making it difficult for the head to maintain a neutral position.
• Poor Posture: Consistently poor posture, whether from sitting at a desk or looking down at a phone, places strain on the neck muscles and can lead to a muscle imbalance. Over time, this strain can cause torticollis as certain muscles become overly tight or weak.
• Sleeping in an Awkward Position: Sleeping with the neck bent or twisted can create muscle tension that, if prolonged, may lead to a temporary form of torticollis.
• Infections: Some infections can inflame the ligaments and tissues around the cervical spine, restricting movement and causing the neck to tilt.
• Certain Medications: In some cases, medications, particularly those that affect the nervous system, can cause torticollis as a side effect. This is often seen with drugs used to treat mental health conditions or seizures.

Identifying the specific cause of torticollis can help tailor treatments to address the root of the issue, allowing for more effective management of symptoms and improved neck function.

Symptoms of Torticollis

Torticollis can cause a range of symptoms, often affecting daily activities and overall quality of life.

Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with this condition:

• Reduced Range of Motion: Torticollis limits neck movement, making it difficult to turn the head or look up and down comfortably.
• Head Tilting or Twisting to One Side: A hallmark sign of torticollis is the involuntary tilt or twist of the head to one side, often causing the head and neck to feel misaligned.
• Neck Pain: Many people with torticollis experience persistent neck pain, which can range from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing pain.
• Stiff Neck: Tightness and stiffness in the neck muscles are common, making it challenging to move the head without discomfort.
• Muscle Spasms: In some cases, torticollis triggers involuntary muscle spasms in the neck, causing sudden contractions that can be painful and further limit mobility.

Recognizing these symptoms early can help in seeking effective treatment options to manage pain and improve range of motion, ultimately leading to better neck health and comfort.

How To Treat Torticollis In Adults

Treating torticollis effectively often requires a multi-faceted approach to address both muscle tightness and any underlying misalignments in the spine.

Since the muscles and vertebrae in the neck are closely interconnected, a misalignment can lead to muscle tightness and restricted movement. Conversely, tight muscles can even pull vertebrae out of alignment.

Chiropractors work to correct misalignments in the cervical spine, which can relieve pressure on nerves and help restore full range of motion to the neck. By realigning the vertebrae, chiropractic care reduces muscle tension, making it easier to perform the necessary stretches and exercises to manage torticollis.

Additionally, medical massage can target and relieve the tightness in the neck muscles, alleviating pain and stiffness. Massage therapy not only helps with immediate relief but can also aid in gradually lengthening and loosening muscles that may have become shortened due to torticollis.

Many chiropractors also use E-stim treatment, which uses low levels of electric currents to stimulate the neck muscles, helping to reduce spasms and improve blood flow to the affected area. This treatment can relieve pain, enhance mobility, and promote muscle relaxation, making it a useful component in torticollis recovery.

Combining these treatments can provide comprehensive relief and support for managing torticollis, helping to restore neck function and comfort over time.

 

Conclusion

Torticollis in adults can be an uncomfortable and often limiting condition, but with the right approach, relief is possible.

Understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and exploring effective treatments are all crucial steps toward recovery. Whether through chiropractic adjustments, medical massage, or electrical stimulation, addressing both muscle tightness and spinal alignment can help restore comfort and mobility.

At Oviedo Chiropractic, we offer a wide range of treatments tailored to help alleviate torticollis symptoms and promote long-term neck health. Our experienced team is here to provide comprehensive care that includes chiropractic adjustments, targeted massage therapy, and advanced techniques like E-stim to relieve pain and improve range of motion.

If you’re ready to find lasting relief from torticollis, we invite you to reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you feel your best.